Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to building Africa’s most resilient coastal economy through innovation, investment, and sustainability.
Speaking at the 11th Lagos International Climate Change Summit held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, the governor declared that Lagos will continue to lead Africa’s transition to a clean, blue economy that harnesses the ocean for sustainable growth.
The summit, themed “Blue Economy, Green Money: Financing Africa’s Coastal Resilience and Ocean Innovation,” gathered global climate financiers, policymakers, and development partners to explore practical pathways for financing Africa’s environmental future.
Sanwo-Olu described Lagos as “a city built on water, energy, and enterprise,” adding that his administration was deliberate in creating blue finance opportunities that turn ecological challenges into economic advantages.
“The Great Wall of Lagos has transformed what could have been an Atlantic wasteland into the thriving Eko Atlantic City — a living testament to human ingenuity and Lagos’ defiant optimism,” he said. “Investing in Lagos’ resilience is not philanthropy; it is smart economics.”
The governor also announced the launch of Lagos Carbon, Africa’s first domestic environmental market designed to channel investments into decarbonization and regenerative projects across the state.
According to him, the platform will enable verified carbon trading through blockchain-backed infrastructure to support Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and create jobs in renewable energy and ecosystem restoration.
In his welcome address, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said the summit underscores the state’s determination to pioneer innovative solutions for climate resilience.
He highlighted Lagos’ recent achievements, including the forthcoming commissioning of a biogas facility at the Ikosi-Isheri Fruit Market in partnership with the C40 Global Leadership Group. The facility will convert waste to clean energy and fertilizer while reducing carbon emissions.
Mr. Wahab also announced that Governor Sanwo-Olu would launch the Climate Investment Opportunities Diagnostic (CIOD), a policy document aligning climate priorities with actionable investment pathways.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, represented by the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the Federal Government has implemented reforms to enhance maritime security, reduce piracy, and promote waste-to-wealth initiatives through blue economy partnerships.
International representatives from Britain, China, Germany, and other partner nations pledged continued support for Nigeria’s climate resilience drive, commending Lagos for its leadership among African subnational governments.
The Lagos International Climate Change Summit, now in its 11th edition, continues to position Lagos as the hub for Africa’s environmental innovation, bridging global climate action with local implementation.